Color Palette

Using the official colors of Prescott College strategically and consistently helps our target audience immediately connect with the brand on a visceral level and plays a key role in establishing brand recognition.

The official colors are separated into two groups, Primary and Accent colors. Primary colors consist of the two colors used in the College’s official logo as well as Black, and White. Accent colors consist of four other colors chosen for their complementary tones and visual impact. Used together, Primary and Accent Colors create a harmonious and appealing palette, allowing for a wide variety of design options while still looking cohesive. Each official brand color has several “color codes” that vary depending on use. To ensure consistency across all mediums, it is imperative to use the correct code.

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Types of Colors

PMS

PMS refers to the Pantone Matching System. PMS is the definitive international reference for selecting, specifying, matching and controlling ink colors. This spot color system ensures that inks look the same regardless of who prints them, and is used exclusively for offset printing. Be sure to specify Coated, Uncoated, or Matte paper.

CMYK

CMYK is a subtractive four-color process system used for digital and commercial printing. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black wherein the combinations of these subtract portions of white light to produce another color.

RGB

RGB is an additive color model that refers to a system for representing the colors to be used on a computer display. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue – these colors are combined in various proportions to obtain any color in the visible spectrum. RGB should be used exclusively for display on screens and devices.

HEX

HEX refers to the hexadecimal system of color matching, which converts RGB numbers to an alphanumeric system creating a HEX code – it is a different way of expressing the same thing. Web browsers are designed to read HEX code, therefore this system is best used for websites and coding, though because it represents an RGB color, can be used in those applications just as effectively.

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Primary Colors

Primary Colors are the most recognizable and most used brand colors, can stand alone, and should always be used in the presence of an Accent Color.

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Accent Colors

Accent Colors should be used more sparingly, and always in combination with a Primary Color. Careful attention should be paid not to overuse these colors – simplicity is best; using too many colors at once tends to look childish. Northern Arizona University has similar colors in their brand palette; to avoid identifying as NAU, never use dark teal and yellow exclusively.

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For Further Assistance

Contact the Marketing Team

If you have any questions, need further clarification on these guidelines, or require assistance with a project, please contact the Marketing Team at [email protected] or place a marketing request via the link below.